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The January recruitment period proves to be a time of feverish rumour and possible major moves. Several notable footballers find themselves linked with moves out of their current teams. This article explores a selection of the major figures who might be on the move in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Despite the Black Stars' inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, this has kept the player available, it appears an important transfer is close. This 25-year-old has a contract with a substantial release clause active for a brief window at the start of the month. Latest developments suggest the Premier League champions are now the frontrunners for his services. Former interested parties such as Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have moved on to alternative options, leaving clubs such as Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a late bid.

M. Guéhi

This English centre-back has continued to impress for Crystal Palace despite a summer move to Liverpool collapsing. As his contract set to expire in the summer, this represents the club's last chance to obtain a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of elite sides, such as Manchester City and multiple European giants including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly hold an interest. Yet, a January departure is considered unlikely, especially given the coach's reliance on the player.

Brennan Johnson

The Welsh winger has had starting minutes hard to come by at Tottenham this campaign. Although finishing as the club's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, Johnson has started just a handful of Premier League matches. Reports suggest the North London outfit would be open to a transfer for the right price, thought to be in the around forty million pounds. Bournemouth are currently at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally showing an inquiry.

Spurs value the Welsh international at approximately £40m.

Rúben Neves

The Portugal midfielder could be set for a return to the Premier League following a spell in Saudi Arabia. Still just twenty-eight, and with his contract ending in the summer, he represents a potential bargain. Clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with the player. Furthermore, there have been suggestions from Spanish media that he would be prepared to take a pay cut for a move to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

The veteran German goalkeeper is now as third-choice at Barcelona under new coach Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a winter exit looks increasingly likely. Villa were initially linked as a potential destination, but that move now appears unlikely. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing interest in the keeper.

I. Toney

This prolific England striker has kept finding the net regularly in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League could enhance his dwindling hopes of making the England squad. However, arranging a deal poses major challenges. Al-Ahli do not wish to part with him, and his reported huge salary render any agreement difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all mentioned as interested parties.

Ivan Toney was instrumental as Al-Ahli to a win in the domestic cup showpiece.

Conor Gallagher

This dynamic midfielder attracted considerable interest in the off-season but stayed at Atlético. With few starting appearances in Spain this season, he is keen to secure more playing time ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United have been strongly connected, and a return to Selhurst Park, a club he excelled on loan, is also a possibility, although wage demands might prove a problem.

H. Elliott

Although starring and being named player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, this talented midfielder has found it tough for minutes during his loan spell at Villa. Unai Emery has stated the loan move will not be made permanent. Due to FIFA regulations regarding playing for multiple teams in a season, a move back to his parent club prior to next season appears to be the sole available outcome.

K. Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkish attacker has been in excellent form for the Italian giants this season. As his existing deal running down, a host of Premier League sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are desperate to tie down the youngster to a new long-term contract but are in a race to retain one of Europe's brightest prospects.

Kees Smit

This highly-touted Netherlands midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. After impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has become a regular in the AZ first team. This 19-year-old is widely expected to complete a major move this month. Newcastle United reportedly are leading the chase, but are facing stiff rivalry from the Spanish champions for a deal priced at around £22 million.